The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Kenneth A. Benson (MCSN: 908495), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese Forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 30 July 1944. Pinned down by heavy enemy fire while advancing with several companions to relieve two tank crews whose disabled vehicles were covered by hostile fire in front of our lines on 4 July, he boldly pushed ahead for another three hundred yards and despite continuous exposure to Japanese fire, succeeded in reaching his objective and in annihilating numerous snipers en route. By skillfully directing the tank weapons, he assisted in the destruction of two enemy field pieces and with his group, effected the rescue of the eight Marines in the two tanks. Seriously wounded while carrying out this heroic attempt, Private First Class Benson, by his relentless fighting spirit and indomitable courage, contributed essentially to the success of a hazardous mission in this strategically important theater of war, and his selfless, unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.